Territorians among national award winners as NAIDOC Week kicks off
NAIDOC celebrations in the Territory are off to a flying start with Indigenous Territorians sweeping through the NAIDOC Awards. Read the details.
Northern Territory
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Indigenous Territorians won four of the ten 2025 NAIDOC Awards, including a local legend who received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award ceremony kicked off the 50th addition of NAIDOC Week, a national celebration recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from July 6 to 13.
Anmatjere and Marranunggu man Michael Long was recognised for his continued advocacy for Indigenous issues and a lifetime of standing up to racism with a Lifetime Achievement Award — for which he received a standing ovation from the crowd.
He was joined by another local football player, Marranunggu and Anmatjere woman Danielle Ponter, who was recognised as Sportsperson of the Year.
Ms Ponter is a two-time premiership player and all-Australian who begun her football journey playing for St Mary’s Football Club under-15s side at age 11.
Territory-born business innovators were also celebrated with Walpiri, Gurindji and Jawoyn woman Cerisa Benjamin receiving the Innovation Award alongside her husband
Troy Benjamin for their tea and coffee company Blak Brew.
The award citation recognised the 100 per cent Indigenous owned company’s global recognition since winning Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars.
Larrakia, Wadjigan, and Central Arrernte man Professor Eddie Cubillo won the Education Award.
Professor Cubillo has served in a variety of roles across the NT, including Anti-Discrimination Commissioner of the NT, Executive Officer of NATSILS, and Director of Community Engagement for the NT Royal Commission.
Recently, Professor Cubillo has been lecturing at Melbourne Law School and served as Director of its Indigenous Law and Justice Hub, before moving to the Mabo Centre this year.
Throughout his academia, Professor Cubillo is recognised for bringing the next generation of legal professionals with him in the fight for legal reform, self-determination and justice for his people.
Indigenous Australians Minister Senator Malarndirri McCarthy congratulated all winners for their achievement at the milestone NAIDOC celebration.
“This year’s NAIDOC celebrations mark an incredible achievement — 50 years of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture through a week of activities,” Senator McCarthy said.
“There is no better way to recognise the strength, vision and enduring legacy of past generations than by celebrating the achievements of exceptional individuals at the NAIDOC Awards.
“I congratulate the finalists and winners for their remarkable achievements and for exemplifying the true essence of NAIDOC Week.”
At the ceremony it was announced Alice Springs would be the 2026 host of the NAIDOC Awards.
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Originally published as Territorians among national award winners as NAIDOC Week kicks off
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